Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua continued with different engagements with Kenyans in the US on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

As part of his itinerary, the former DP held talks with the diaspora business community in Boston. He reiterated that the money they wire back home plays a significant role in the country’s economic growth.

In a statement, Gachagua acknowledged that the current highest foreign exchange comes from diaspora remittances, surpassing income from tea, coffee, and tourism.

“The current highest foreign exchange comes from diaspora remittances, surpassing income from tea, coffee, and tourism,” Gachagua’s statement read in part.

“This highlights the crucial role our diaspora community plays in our nation’s economic growth and development. I was privileged to engage in a candid discussion with the diaspora business community in Worcester, MA, and Boston, USA,” it added.

Improving environment

However, Gachagua insisted on the need to expand the conversation in a bid to find ways to make the environment conducive for them to send more money to Kenya.

He explained that the diaspora is a force that, if well managed, can contribute to the country’s sustainable development.

“It is clear that we must have serious conversations with our diaspora partners about how to improve their environment to enable them to contribute even more effectively to our country’s progress,” Gachagua stated.

“Together, we can harness the full potential of our diaspora as a powerful force for sustainable development.”

Diaspora remittance

Kenyans living and working abroad sent home a record $4.94 billion (Ksh640.75 billion) in the year ended December 2024, marking an 18 per cent growth rate that surpassed the Central Bank of Kenya’s projection.

According to CBK data, the inflows were strong in December 2024 at $445.4 million (Ksh57.5 billion) compared to $423.2 million (Ksh54.5 billion) in November, an increase of 5.2 per cent.

The United States remains the largest source of remittances, contributing 51 per cent of total inflows in 2024.

“The growth in remittances continues to support Kenya’s current account and the stability of the exchange rate,” the CBK added.